SERVICE BULLETIN
TOPIC: Lubrication System
SUBJECT: Dresser Waukesha® Oil Recommendations
MODELS AFFECTED: All Dresser Waukesha Engines
SUMMARY
Use this service bulletin to identify the oil needs and
specifications of all Dresser Waukesha engines.
Listing is by current production model and fuel type.
This bulletin revision provides Dresser Waukesha’s
current lubricating oil recommendations as a
guideline.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC................................................................ PAGE
Information and Instructions ..................................... 1
Lube Oil Performance............................................... 1
Oil Designations........................................................ 2
Supplementary Lube Oil Additives............................ 2
Lube Oil Recommendations ..................................... 2
Catalyst Contaminants.............................................. 3
Lube Oil Filtration Requirements .............................. 3
Extended Lube Oil Drain Intervals ............................ 3
Dresser Waukesha Cogeneration Installations......... 3
12V/18V 220GL Installations .................................... 5
Sour Gas, Digester Gas, Alternative Fuel Gas
and Landfill Gas Recommendations .................. 5
Recommended Lube Oils for Landfill Gas
Applications ........................................................ 6
Lube Oil Condemning Limits..................................... 7
Lube Oil Viscosity Selection ..................................... 9
Multi-Viscosity Lube Oils......................................... 10
Synthetic Lube Oils................................................. 10
Low Ambient Temperature Operation..................... 10
Lube Oil Consumption Guidelines .......................... 10
Formulas for Determining Lube Oil Consumption
Rate.................................................................. 11
Recommended Oil Change Intervals...................... 11
Service Bulletin 12-1880AF
© 11/2010
IDENT NO: 12-1880AF
DATE: November 2010
SUPERSEDES: 12-1880AE
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
Dresser Waukesha engines are heavy-duty industrial-
type engines which require heavy-duty lubricating oils.
The basic requirements are high lubricating quality,
high thermal stability and good control of
contaminants.
Dresser Waukesha’s engine product line consists of
spark-ignited industrial gas engines from the VSG
through the 16V275GL+ models. The lubricating oil
requirements and systems change greatly between
each model and fuel type.
LUBE OIL PERFORMANCE
There are hundreds of commercial crankcase oils
marketed today. Obviously, engine manufacturers or
users cannot completely evaluate the numerous
commercial oils. The performance of a lubricant, like
that of any manufactured product, is the responsibility
of the refiner and supplier. The Dresser Waukesha
Warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of
parts that fail due to defective material or workmanship
during the warranty period. The Dresser Waukesha
Warranty does not include responsibility for
satisfactory performance of the lubricating oil.
With the exception of cogeneration, the 220GL
products and special or prototype installations,
Dresser Waukesha has made it a practice not to
recommend oil by brand name.
Dresser Waukesha strongly recommends monitoring
the condition of the engine oil through the use of a
good oil analysis program.
Page 1 of 13
Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

OIL DESIGNATIONS LUBE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS

Oil is designated in several ways: American Petroleum
Institute (API), Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE), American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) performance classifications and Military
Designation. Since no gas engine industry oil
performance designations exist, it is the responsibility
of the engine operator to verify with their oil supplier
that the oil they select has proven field performance in
their specific engine make and model. This oil must
also meet the minimum requirements specified by
Dresser Waukesha as listed in the included tables.
Dresser Waukesha recommends the use of oil
formulated specifically for natural gas engines and
meeting minimum ash requirements based on engine
model. The ash-forming constituents in oil
formulations provide detergency, corrosion protection
and anti-wear protection. In addition, the ash produced
during combustion of these additives will provide
protection against valve face and seat recession.
However, use of oils containing a higher ash level than
specified in the tables may increase engine deposits
and decrease component life.

SUPPLEMENTARY LUBE OIL ADDITIVES NOTICE

Quality oils formulated specifically for natural gas
engines have sufficient additives to meet
requirements. Dresser Waukesha does not
recommend the addition of oil additives to these lube
oils.
Dresser Waukesha gas engines use specifically
formulated oils. Dresser Waukesha does not
recommend gasoline or diesel oil formulations for
use with its engines. Use of gasoline or diesel
formulations may cause severe engine damage. The
Dresser Waukesha warranty is limited to the repair
or replacement of parts that fail due to defective
material or workmanship during the warranty period.
The Dresser Waukesha warranty does not provide
coverage for unsatisfactory performance of lube oil.

Table 1: Lube Oil Recommendations by Engine Model

GAS ENGINE MODELS SULFATED ASH WT% *, **, ***
VSG F11 G, GSI, GSID 0.35 – 1.0
F18, H24, L36, P48 G, GL, GLD/GLD/2 0.45 – 0.75
VGF
F18, H24, L36, P48, GSI, GSID 0.35 – 0.55
F2895, F3521, L5790, L7042, P9390 G, GSI, GL 0.35 – 1.0
VHP SERIES
F3524, L5794, L7044, GSI, L5774, L5794, LT 0.45 – 0.75
275GL/GL+
8L, 12V, 16V 0.35 – 1.0
AT25/27GL SERIES
16V150 LTD 0.4 – 0.55
APG SERIES
12V220 GL, 18V220 GL See Table 3

* Oils must be specifically formulated for gas engines using highly refined mineral oil base stocks. The ash requirements are a percentage by
weight with both metallic and ashless additive systems. A maximum of 0.10% zinc is recommended.

** Oil with 0.35% ash or less may be used in naturally aspirated and catalyst-equipped naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines with the
understanding that valve recession may occur, thus shortening the normally expected valve and seat life.

*** Use 1.0% ash oil for the VHP and AT engines only if needed due to higher than normal valve recession rates.

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 Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

CATALYST CONTAMINANTS DRESSER WAUKESHA COGENERATION

The following contaminants are known catalyst
deactivators and should be avoided when selecting
lubricating oils for installations with catalysts since
they contribute to shortened catalyst life: heavy and
base metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, antimony,
zinc, copper, tin, iron, nickel, chrome, sulfur and
phosphorus. Generally these individual elements
should not exceed 1 ppm or collectively exceed 5 ppm
at the catalyst inlet. Specific exceptions: phosphorus
or silicon compounds at the catalyst inlet are not to
exceed 1 ppm and sulfur compounds at the catalyst
inlet are not to exceed 100 ppm. Always consult the
catalyst supplier for specific recommendations for the
catalyst being used.
INSTALLATIONS
Dresser Waukesha does not ordinarily recommend
lube oils by brand name. However, based on actual
field experience, the oils listed in Table 2 are specified
for cogeneration installations with forced hot water
cooling systems at 212° – 265°F (100° – 129°C) or
ebullient cooling at 250°F (121°C).
It is especially important that the lube oils used in
cogeneration applications utilize base stocks with
good thermal stability. With a minimum of 4000+ hours
of experience, the lube oils listed in Table 2 are known
to give satisfactory performance in high-temperature
cooling systems applications.

Do not confuse the concentration of these elements in NOTE: See Table 1 for lube oil sulfated ash
the exhaust gas flow AT THE CATALYST INLET with recommendations for Dresser Waukesha gas engine
the concentration of these elements in the lube oil models.
itself. Additions to the list of approved lube oils may be made
with substantiating data for a lube oil meeting the
LUBE OIL FILTRATION REQUIREMENTS following criteria:
The quality of oil filtration will directly affect engine • Used in similar applications with 212° – 265°F (100°
component life. Dresser Waukesha’s basic filtration – 129°C) jacket water temperatures.
requirement is 90% efficient at 15 microns for all full-
• A minimum of 6 months operation with documented
flow sock and paper elements, and 98% efficient at 25
engine inspection data.
microns for fiberglass disposable and cleanable full-
flow metal mesh elements. Mesh or screen sizes • No signs of lube oil degradation, carbon or
larger than 25 microns are not acceptable. lacquering problems (based on normal lube oil
change intervals, the engine should be clean).
Lube oil filter elements should be changed when the
lube oil is changed or when the pressure drop across
the lube oil filter exceeds values stated in specific
engine maintenance manuals.
Dresser Waukesha’s complete oil filter performance
specifications are shown in Dresser Waukesha
Standard Sheets S-08486 and S-08486-1. Always see
the latest available version.

EXTENDED LUBE OIL DRAIN INTERVALS

Extended oil drain intervals are not recommended
unless the engine uses a functional Microspin®
centrifuge as well as Dresser Waukesha-supplied oil
filtration components. The Microspin centrifuge, in
conjunction with Dresser Waukesha-supplied oil
filtration components, will remove spent additives and
other by-products of combustion, allowing an increase
in scheduled lube oil drain and lube oil filter element
change intervals. Dresser Waukesha recommends
that a lube oil analysis program be used to determine
oil change intervals when condemning limits are
reached. See Table 5. See Table 12 and Table 13 for
the recommended maximum number of hours
between normal lube oil drain and lube oil filter
element changes without a lube oil analysis program.

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Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

Table 2: Recommended Lube Oils for Cogeneration Applications (Using Pipeline Quality Gas)
BRAND TYPE PERCENT OF SULFATED ASH
Chevron HDAX Low Ash SAE 40 0.50
Estor Super
Exxon Co. USA, SAE 40 0.45
Exxon Co. International
Estor Elite (Synthetic)
Esso Imperial Oil, SAE 20W40 0.45
Exxon Co. USA
Estor Select 40
Esso Imperial Oil, SAE 40 0.95
Exxon Co. USA
Mobil Pegasus 1 (Synthetic) SAE 15W40 0.51
Mobil Pegasus 1005 SAE 40 0.54
Mobil Pegasus 905 SAE 40 0.54
Mobil Pegasus 805 SAE 40 0.54
Mobil Pegasus 710 (89) SAE 40 0.94
Petro Canada, Sentron CG40 SAE 40 0.92
Petro Canada Sentron LD 5000 SAE 40 0.57
Roloil Mahler HA (USA)
Roloil Mogas - AC (Italy) SAE 40 0.90
Q8 Mahler HA (rest of world)
Roloil Mahler MA (USA)
Roloil Mogas (Italy) SAE 40 0.50
Q8 Mahler MA (rest of world)
Shell Mysella MA
SAE 40 0.90
SIPC (Outside USA only)
Shell Mysella XL SAE 40 0.50
Repsol YPF
SAE 40 0.50
Vectis LA-540
Citgo Pacemaker GEO 1640 SAE 40 0.50
Conoco Elmar LA4 EXD SAE 40 0.50
76 Triton 5005 EXD SAE 40 0.50
Valvoline GEO LA40 SAE 40 0.58

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 Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

12V/18V 220GL INSTALLATIONS It is especially important that the lube oils used in
cogeneration applications utilize virgin base stocks
Dresser Waukesha does not ordinarily recommend with good thermal stability. The lube oils listed in
lube oils by brand name for specific products. Table 3 are known to give satisfactory performance in
However, based on actual field experience, the lube high-temperature cooling system applications.
oils listed in Table 3 are specified for all 220GL
installations.
Table 3: Recommended Lube Oils for All 220GL Applications (Using Pipeline Quality Gas)
SULPHATED ASH (%W)
SUPPLIER BRAND NAME TYPE
ASTM D 874
Nateria MH 40 SAE 40 0.45
Total Nateria P 405 SAE 40 0.42
Nateria X 405 (Synthetic) SAE 15W40 0.45
Mobil Pegasus 705 SAE 40 0.49
Mobil Pegasus 805 SAE 40 0.54
Exxon Mobil Mobil Pegasus 905 SAE 40 0.54
Mobil Pegasus 1005 SAE 40 0.54
Mobil Pegasus 1 (Synthetic) SAE 15W40 0.51
Mysella LA SAE 40 0.45
Shell Mysella XL SAE 40 0.50
Texaco Geotex LA SAE 40 0.45
Chevron HDAX LA SAE 40 0.50
Castrol Duratec L SAE 40 0.45
BP Energas NGL SAE 40 0.45
Idemitsu Appolloil GHP 40L SAE 40 0.45
Petro-Canada Sentron LD 5000 SAE 40 0.57

Contact Dresser Waukesha Application Engineering Alternative fuel sources are attracting increasing
for the potential for additions to the list of approved interest today as a low-cost fuel or because of their
220GL oils. environmental benefits. However, there are issues that
arise due to the sulfur compounds (H2S, etc.),
SOUR GAS, DIGESTER GAS, siloxanes and halide constituents in these fuels.
ALTERNATIVE FUEL GAS AND LANDFILL Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), siloxanes and total organic
GAS RECOMMENDATIONS halide as chloride (TOH/CI) bring with them totally
different challenges for the engine and lube oil. See
the current version of S-07884-7, Gaseous Fuel
! WARNING Specification for Waukesha Engines, for additional
information.
Dresser Waukesha assumes no

!
liability or responsibility for
potential damage to the
environment or any personal injury
caused by using landfill gases or
sour gases as fuel. It is the engine
owner’s/customer’s sole
responsibility to carefully analyze
any fuel gases they choose to use.
Use of these gases is at the
owner’s/customer’s own risk.
The use of landfill, digester or other waste gas makes
the selection of an engine lube oil, lube oil analysis
and lube oil drain intervals far too complicated to
address completely here because the lube oil
requirements change as the TOH/Cl level increases.
Anyone operating with landfill, digester or other waste
gas must review the current version of S-07884-7,
Gaseous Fuel Specification for Waukesha Engines, to
fully understand the ramifications of operating an
engine with that type of fuel gas.

NOTE: Low BTU fuel gases 400-660 BTU/FT3 LHV

must meet the requirements specified in the current
version of Standard S-07884-7, Gaseous Fuel
Specification for Waukesha Engines. (Always see the
latest version.)

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Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF
RECOMMENDED LUBE OILS FOR
LANDFILL GAS APPLICATIONS
Dresser Waukesha recommends lube oil specifically
formulated for landfill gas applications. Always follow
the lube oil manufacturer’s instructions and do not use
the oil beyond their recommendations. Some landfill
gas formulated lube oils can cause excessive buildup
of abnormal ash deposits in the combustion chamber
when used outside of their recommendations. Landfill
gas engine lube oils should only be used in engines
applied to landfill gas operation and not digester gas
operation.
Table 4: Recommended Lube Oils – Landfill Gas
Applications
PERCENT OF
BRAND TYPE
SULFATED ASH
Mobil Pegasus 610 (446) SAE 40 0.98*
Mobil Pegasus 605 (426) SAE 40 0.48
Chevron HDAX LFG SAE 40 0.71
* These lube oils have a higher sulfated ash level than specified in
Table 1 for the F18, H24, L36, P48, G, GSI, GSID, GL, GLD, GLD2
and F3524, L5794, L7044, GSI, L5774, L5794, LT Engines. These
lube oils may be used but be aware that engine life cycle may
decrease due to an increase in engine deposits.
The best approach to improving engine life cycle is to
filter out or absorb contaminants in the fuel gas before
they reach the engine. There are various companies
manufacturing and promoting gas filtration and
absorption processes. However, Dresser Waukesha
makes no endorsement of these products or services.
Their performance is solely the responsibility of their
manufacturers.
The following lube oil recommendations will minimize
corrosion problems normally encountered with fuel
gas containing H2S and TOH/CI:
RECOMMENDATION #1
Select a gas engine lube oil with a high alkalinity
reserve, 7 to 13 TBN (Total Base Number). Alkalinity
reserve in the lube oil is measured in TBN. The higher
the TBN, the more reserve.
Contact your lube oil supplier for an appropriate
choice. Also follow the appropriate ash content
percent by weight for the specific engine model.
Page 6 of 13
RECOMMENDATION #2
Used lube oil analysis is mandatory for alternative fuel
applications. Lube oil change periods are determined
by TBN (Total Base Number), TAN (Total Acid
Number), oxidation and nitration level in the used lube
oil samples. The user must change the lube oil when
the TBN level falls to 30% of the new lube oil value or
TAN increases by 2.5 – 3.0 above the new lube oil
value. The method of measuring TBN in used lube oil
is shown in Table 5.
The DEXSIL® Corporation has developed the Q2000
field test kit. This kit is used to determine the chlorine
contamination of engine lube oil exposed to chlorine
containing fuels such as landfill gas. This field test kit
is highly accurate and allows the operator to obtain
timely test results in the field. The lube oil must be
sampled every 50 hours in order to establish an initial
“trend.” Dresser Waukesha has experienced good
results with this kit. Ordering information may be
obtained from the DEXSIL Corporation, One Hamden
Park Drive, Hamden, CT 06517.
! CAUTION
TOH/CI does not affect TBN levels
!
the same as sulfur compounds.
Therefore, the 30% TBN depletion
(50% TBN depletion on 220 GL
engines) as an indicator of a
change interval only applies to the
applications where fuel gas does
not contain halides.
RECOMMENDATION #3
Increase the jacket water temperature to 210° – 235°F
(99° – 113°C) and lube oil temperature to 185° –
200°F (85° – 93°C). 275GL/GL+ and AT25/27GL
series engines are limited to a maximum of 180°F
(82°C) lube oil temperature. 220GL series engines are
limited to a maximum of 212°F (100°C) jacket water
outlet temperature, and 176°F (80°C) lube oil inlet
temperature. Increased temperatures will reduce
condensation which will reduce the concentration of
acids within the crankcase. High-temperature
thermostats are available for most models.
Any question on lubricants to be used with alternative
fuel gases should be directed to the Field Service
Department or Sales Engineering Department prior to
selecting a lube oil.
Service Bulletin 12-1880AF
© 11/2010
 Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

LUBE OIL CONDEMNING LIMITS
! WARNING
Engine lube oil is extremely hot
and is under pressure. Use caution
when sampling engine lube oil for
analysis.
Lube oil condemning limits are established by the
engine manufacturer’s experience and/or used lube oil
testing. Laboratory testing, using the parameters
shown in Table 5, will help determine the used lube
oil’s suitability for continued use.
Before taking a lube oil sample, clean the sample
outlet valve. This prevents any debris in the sample
outlet valve from contaminating the lube oil sample.
Draw the lube oil sample at engine operating
temperature before the full-flow lube oil filters.

Table 5: Used Lube Oil Testing and Recommended Condemnation Limits

Natural gas fuel engine lube oil samples should be taken based on trend experience or @ 500 hours maximum
CONDEMNING LIMITS
STANDARD TEST
ANALYSIS METRICS ALL OTHER DRESSER
METHOD USED 12V/18V 220GL
WAUKESHA ENGINES
WEAR METALS:
Iron (Fe) 30 ppm max
Aluminum (Al) 10 ppm max
Copper (Cu) 15 ppm max
Lead (Pb) 20 ppm max Wear Metals By Trend Analysis
(Investigate source(s) of rising
Tin (Sn) ASTM D5185 10 ppm max wear Metal(s). Change oil
Chromiun (Cr) 10 ppm max based upon Analysis report
recommendations.)
Nickel (Ni) 10 ppm max
Silver (Ag) Wear Metals By Trend Analysis
Change oil based upon Report
Titanium (Ti) recommendations.
CONTAMINANTS:
Silicon (Si) 20 ppm max Follow analysis report
recommendations
ASTM D5185
Sodium (Na) Any detectable amount (> 5 Any detectable amount (> 5
Potassium (K) ppm) as coolant leak indicator ppm) as coolant leak indicator
ASTM D6443 (XRF) or ASTM
Chlorine (Cl) 900 ppm max 900 ppm max
D2622 (XRF)
Soot FTIR Above 2.5% by volume Above 2.5% by volume
ASTM D1744 or Above 0.3% by weight Above 0.1% by weight
Water % by IR & Karl Fischer ASTM D6304-04A (3000 ppm) (1000 ppm)
(Na & K) Any detectable amount (Na & K) Any detectable amount (> 5
Glycol (pos/neg) ASTM D2982
(> 5 ppm) ppm)
MULTI-SOURCE:
Boron (B)
Molybdenum (Mo) Multi-source by Analysis Report Multi-source by Analysis Report
ASTM D5185 Recommendations Recommendations
Antimony (Sb) (if contaminant) (if contaminant)
Manganese (Mn)
Continued on next page

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Table 5: Used Lube Oil Testing and Recommended Condemnation Limits (Continued)
Natural gas fuel engine lube oil samples should be taken based on trend experience or @ 500 hours maximum
CONDEMNING LIMITS
STANDARD TEST
ANALYSIS METRICS ALL OTHER DRESSER
METHOD USED 12V/18V 220GL
WAUKESHA ENGINES
ADDITIVES:
Magnesium (Mg)
Calcium (Ca)
Additive levels are information Additive levels are information
Barium (Ba) ASTM D5185 only only
Phosphorous (P)
Zinc (Zn)
CHARACTERISTICS:
Viscosity (40°C) +50% change
ASTM D445 -20/+30% change
Viscosity (100°C) +25% change
TAN ASTM D664 2.5 rise over new oil * 3.0 rise over new oil *
ASTM D2896 (new & used oil) Drop to 30% of new TBN *
TBN or ASTM D4739 (new & used Drop to 50% of new TBN *
oil) Not applicable to TOH/Cl
Oxidation 40 Abs/cm Peak Height (Single 40 Abs/cm Peak Height (Single
ASTM E2412-04 ANNEX A2 Point Baseline) Method Point Baseline) Method
Nitration

Oxidation 25 Abs @ 1700 cm¯ ¹ Peak Area 25 Abs @ 1735 cm¯ ¹ Peak Area
Method Method
ASTM E2412-04 ANNEX A1
20 Abs @ 1625 cm¯ ¹ Peak Area 25 Abs @ 1625 cm¯ ¹ Peak Area
Nitration
Method Method
ASTM D92
Flash Point 356°F (180°C) 356°F (180°C)
(Cleveland Open Cup)
MAXIMUM MONITORED MAXIMUM MONITORED
PARTICLE COUNTS:
LEVELS ** LEVELS **
ISO Code ISO 4406 24/24/20 24/24/20
4 micron 160,000 particles/ml 160,000 particles/ml
6 micron 80,000 80,000
10 micron 30,000 30,000
14 micron 5,000 5,000
ISO 11500
21 micron 1,000 1,000
38 micron 100 100
70 micron 12 12
100 micron 8 8

* Sweeten the sump lube oil by adding new lube oil when TBN level falls below the TAN level so the lube oil can continue to neutralize acids.
Resample sweetened lube oil to verify proper TAN/TBN levels. If TAN/TBN condemning limits are reached and sump sweetening is not done,
the lube oil must be changed to reestablish proper lube oil alkalinity protection from acid formation.

** Do not condemn the lube oil based solely on particle count levels unless a severe rise in any micron level occurs in the 500 hour lube oil
sample analysis. Inspect the engine filtration system (improperly seated elements, holes in elements, a stuck open filter bypass valve, a non-
functional centrifuge, etc.) if an early hour excessive rise is seen in particle counts. Longer term, consider other lube oil condemning limits in
Table 5 along with rising particle counts in the decision to change lube oil and filters.

NOTICE
Actual lube oil change intervals must be determined
by engine inspection and lube oil analysis in
conjunction with the condemning limits.

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In order to obtain a reasonable life expectancy for
Dresser Waukesha engines operating on fuel gas
containing some level of halogens, our experience
dictates the following:
• To achieve a life expectancy equivalent to an engine
operating on pipeline quality natural gas, remove all
halogen compounds and abrasives from the fuel
gas.
• Reasonable life can be expected if the Total Organic
Halide as Chloride (TOH/CI) concentration of the
fuel does not exceed 8.5 micrograms per BTU (µg/
BTU) (150 µg/liter). Total Organic Halide as
Chloride equals the sum of all halogenated
compounds expressed as chloride (Cl) in
micrograms per BTU (µg/BTU) (or µg/liter) at
Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP). See the
most current version of S-07884-7, Gaseous Fuel
Specification for Waukesha Engines. Reasonable
life can also be expected with increased
maintenance and operating adjustments to the
engine, such as:
Typical changes in maintenance and operation at
this chloride level are:
– Decreased lube oil change interval (150 hours to
start)
– Condemn the lube oil when the 900 ppm
chlorine limit in used lube oil is reached. This will
aid in establishing a lube oil change interval.
– Perform a lube oil analysis at least every 50
hours to start.
– Elevate the jacket water temperature to 212° –
235°F (100° – 113°C).
Table 7: VGF / VHP Sump and Header Temperatures and SAE Number
SUMP TEMPERATURE HEADER TEMPERATURE
160° – 230°F 160° – 195°F
(71° – 110°C) (71° – 91°C)
Below 160°F (71°C) Below 160°F (71°C)
– Elevate the lube oil temperature to 185° – 200°F
(85° – 93°C), 180°F (82°C) maximum for AT
models, and 176°F (80°C) for 220GL models.
– Use of high TBN oil (7.0 – 13.0)
– Bypass lubrication oil filtration. Dresser
Waukesha has introduced the Microspin
cleanable lube oil filtering system. The Microspin
system utilizes the cleaning capabilities of a
centrifuge coupled with cleanable filter elements.
The Microspin system utilizes Dresser
Waukesha’s current lube oil filtration canister for
the cleanable elements. The centrifuge is
installed as a bypass system working in
conjunction with the cleanable filter elements.
• A fuel gas containing a TOH/CI concentration above
8.5 µg/BTU (150 µg/liter) requires pre-treatment of
the fuel in order to make it suitable for use in a
Dresser Waukesha engine.
LUBE OIL VISCOSITY SELECTION
The operating temperature of the lube oil in the sump
or header is the best guide for selecting the proper
SAE grade of lube oil. When the oil temperature is
unknown, add 120°F (67°C) to the ambient
temperature to obtain an estimated lube oil sump
temperature.
Table 6: VSG Sump Temperature and SAE Number
SUMP TEMPERATURE SAE NUMBER
210° – 250°F (99° – 121°C) 40
160° – 210°F (71° – 99°C) 30
SAE NUMBER
40
30

Table 8: 275GL / GL+ & ATGL Sump and Header Temperatures and SAE Number
SUMP TEMPERATURE HEADER TEMPERATURE SAE NUMBER
160° – 230°F 160° – 180°F
(71° – 110°C) (71° – 82°C) 40

Table 9: 220GL Sump and Header Temperatures and SAE Number

SUMP TEMPERATURE HEADER TEMPERATURE SAE NUMBER
194° – 203°F 167° – 176°F
(90° – 95°C) (75° – 80°C) 40

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Table 10: 16V150LTD / APG1000 Sump and Header Temperatures and SAE Number
SUMP TEMPERATURE HEADER TEMPERATURE
195° – 205°F 180° – 190°F
(90° – 96°C) (82° – 88°C)
NOTE: Do not operate engines with an oil header
temperature below 140°F (60°C). Engines that exceed
195°F (91°C) header temperature or 215°F (102°C)
sump temperature should have reduced lube oil
change intervals based upon lube oil analysis (see
Table 5).
MULTI-VISCOSITY LUBE OILS
Use multi-viscosity lube oils only for engines in cold
starting applications. Multi-viscosity lube oil may
deteriorate in continuous operation, allowing the lube
oil to lose viscosity through shearing. In this state, the
lube oil may not supply sufficient lubricating film and/or
pressure. Therefore, utilize a lube oil analysis program
to determine the lube oil change interval.
SYNTHETIC LUBE OILS
Based on developments by lube oil manufacturers and
the release of their synthetic lube oils, Dresser
Waukesha now recognizes these products as being
suitable for all Dresser Waukesha stoichiometric (“rich
burn”) and lean burn gas engines. Table 2 and Table 3
include synthetic lube oils.
When synthetic lube oils are selected, Dresser
Waukesha suggests contacting the Dresser
Waukesha Field Service or Sales Engineering
Departments for oil change interval recommendations
if lube oil analysis is not done. However, a lube oil
analysis program is always recommended by Dresser
Waukesha. Actual lube oil change intervals must be
established through a lube oil analysis program and
visual inspection of engine components. Typical areas
to look for lube oil breakdown are exhaust valve stems,
piston ring area and piston undercrown. Synthetic lube
oil change intervals are 3 to 5 times longer than those
of mineral oils. However, lube oil filter change intervals
remain at 1,000 to 1,500 hours of operation, so that
contaminant buildup does not result in excessive lube
oil filter pressure drop.
Table 11: Typical Gross Oil Consumption Rate
MODEL LBS/HP-HR GRAMS/HP-HR
All 0.0002 – 0.002 0.091 – 0.910
NOTE: Lube oil consumption rates given above are a general guide and not meant to be used as condemning limits or for determining
overhaul requirements. Lube oil treatment, losses and changes not included.
Page 10 of 13
SAE NUMBER
40
Synthetic lube oils are not recommended for
alternative fuel gas applications without prior approval
by Dresser Waukesha.
LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
OPERATION
At low ambient temperatures, use a lube oil which will
provide proper lubrication when the engine is hot and
working. For engines of 1,000 cu. in. (16.4 L)
displacement and above, operating at ambient
temperatures below 50°F (10°C), lube oil and jacket
water heaters are required to warm oil and water for
faster starting and load application. Dresser
Waukesha will supply information on these starting
devices upon request.
220GL APPLICATIONS
To avoid any troubles when starting under cold
ambient conditions, and because of the extra pressure
drop involved by the external circuit, it is mandatory
that lube oil temperature in the external circuit does
not fall down below 68°F (20°C).
This minimum temperature can be achieved by two
different means:
• Either the external circuit (piping, control valve and
cooler) is located in a warm area where temperature
never falls below 68°F (20°C), such as inside a
building rather than outside.
• Or the external circuit is fitted with a warming
system (electrical resistance or preheaters and
circulation) which regulates lube oil temperature to a
minimum of 68°F (20°C).
LUBE OIL CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES
Typical gross lube oil consumption rates for all Dresser
Waukesha engines are:
GRAMS/KW-HR
0.121 – 1.22
Service Bulletin 12-1880AF
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 Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

FORMULAS FOR DETERMINING LUBE RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE

OIL CONSUMPTION RATE INTERVALS
The following formulas may be useful for determining
the engine lube oil consumption rate. NOTICE
LBS 7.3 x Number of Gallons of Oil Used More frequent lube oil changes may be necessary
= with some types of lube oil as well as with the
HP-HR HP x Hours of Operation
presence of other factors including, but not limited
to, a dusty environment, a marginal installation, the
LBS 1.82 x Number of Quarts of Oil Used internal engine condition and/or operation of an
= engine that has malfunctioning carburetion
HP-HR HP x Hours of Operation
equipment. The lube oil drain should be as complete
as possible, including draining of used lube oil from
Grams 875 x Number of Liters of Oil Used low-lying plumbing in the lubrication system. Dresser
=
HP-HR HP x Hours of Operation Waukesha recommends that the lube oil be
monitored with a professional lube oil analysis
program. However, extended lube oil change
Grams 875 x Number of Liters of Oil Used intervals may cause varnish deposits, lube oil
=
kWb-HR kWb (corrected) x Hours of Operation oxidation or sludge conditions to appear in the
engine which a lube oil analysis program may not
detect. Contact your local Dresser Waukesha
Distributor for periodic engine maintenance
recommendations.

NOTE: Lube oil drain intervals can be extended if

Microspin oil filtration is used, the Microspin remains
functional, Dresser Waukesha-supplied lube oil
filtration components are used, a good lube oil
analysis program is used and acceptable levels of
engine part deposits are found during visual
inspection.

Service Bulletin 12-1880AF

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Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

Table 12: Recommended Lube Oil Change Intervals for Engines Receiving Normal Maintenance and Using Natural Gas
Fuel without a Lube Oil Analysis Program
Table 12 is provided as a guide to engine lube oil change intervals when lube oil analysis is extremely difficult to
obtain by customers/end users of Dresser Waukesha engines.
ENGINES EBULLIENT COOLED
OPERATED IN OR HOT WATER
ISO STANDARD OR EXCESS OF SYSTEM WITH
ENGINE MODEL CONTINUOUS ISO STD ENGINE WATER STANDBY DUTY
POWER RATING POWER OR TEMPERATURE OF
PEAK 211°F (99°C) OR
SHAVING ABOVE
FOR ENGINES OPERATING WITH LUBE OIL SUMP TEMPERATURE OF 230°F (110°C) OR BELOW
VSG SERIES F11 300 hours or
Normal 720 hours* 300 hours N/A
Natural Gas and HD-5 Propane annually

FOR ENGINES OPERATING WITH LUBE OIL HEADER TEMPERATURE OF 195°F (91°C) OR BELOW
VGF G, GL, GLD/GLD/2 Normal 1,000 hours
500 hours or
LOW CAPACITY (Extended 1,250 500 hours 500 hours
annually
Natural Gas and HD-5 Propane hours**)

VGF G, GL, GLD/GLD/2 Normal 2,100 hours

500 hours or
HIGH CAPACITY (Extended 2,350 1,000 hours 1,000 hours
annually
Natural Gas and HD-5 Propane hours**)

VGF GSID, GSI

Normal 720 hours 500 hours or
LOW CAPACITY (Extended 900 hours**)
500 hours 500 hours
annually
Natural Gas and HD-5 Propane
VGF GSID, GSI Normal 1,500 hours
500 hours or
HIGH CAPACITY (Extended 1,750 720 hours 720 hours
annually
Natural Gas and HD-5 Propane hours**)

VHP SERIES Normal 1,000 hours 500 hours or

LOW CAPACITY (Extended 1,500 500 hours 500 hours
annually
Natural Gas and HD-5 Propane hours**)

VHP SERIES
500 hours or
HIGH CAPACITY Normal 3,000 hours** – – annually
Natural Gas with Extender Package
275GL/GL+ Normal 3,000 hours (Extended 4,000
AT25/27GL SERIES hours**) or sooner by analysis. Sample every See Table 5 for condemning limits.
Natural Gas 720 hours.

APG SERIES
16V150LTD Normal 1,500 hours**** – – Not Allowed
Natural Gas
Normal 3,000 hours for
12V/18V 220GL engines shipped after 500 hours or
Natural Gas March 2011; – – annually
otherwise 1,500 hours
for filters only***, ****

* Attainable with 15.5:1 air/fuel ratio (carburetor adjusted to 1.15% CO in the exhaust). If best economy carburetor setting, 17.0:1 – 17.7:1
air/fuel ratio (1.4 – 2.1% O2 in the exhaust), is used, lube oil change hours should be reduced to 300 operating hours.

** Extended lube oil drain intervals listed are acceptable if a Microspin centrifuge that remains functional in service use in conjunction with a
Dresser Waukesha-supplied oil filtration system is utilized and a lube oil analysis program is followed (see Table 5), with visual inspection of
power cylinder components at 4,000 hrs. after start of test to determine the extended lube oil change interval. Part deposit inspection pass/fail
criteria must hinge on acceptable industry standards of deposit evaluation of varnish, lacquer and carbon on valve stems, piston ring grooves
and piston undercrown. Lube oil filter change intervals remain per the respective engines’ maintenance manual recommendations. The
extended lube oil drain interval hours shown in Table 12 above may be exceeded if all oil analysis metrics published in Table 5 remain within
specification limits using engine lube oil analysis.

*** Up to 6,000 hour lube oil change with synthetic oil on 220GL models is possible, but only based upon lube oil analysis. Filter change
intervals remain per Table 12.

**** No overload allowed on APG engine models.

NOTE: Change lube oil filter elements when lube oil is changed.

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 Service Bulletin No. 12-1880AF

Table 13: Recommended Lube Oil Change Intervals for Engines Receiving Normal Maintenance and Using Gaseous
Fuel Containing H2S @ 0.1% by Volume (1000 ppm) or Less Based Upon Lube Oil Analysis (see Table 5)

A lube oil change is required at the TBN/TAN crossover point.

EBULLIENT COOLED
OR HOT WATER
ENGINES OPERATED
ISO STANDARD OR SYSTEM WITH
ENGINE IN EXCESS OF ISO
PRIME POWER ENGINE WATER STANDBY DUTY
MODEL STD POWER OR PEAK
RATING TEMPERATURE OF
SHAVING
211°F (99°C) OR
ABOVE
FOR ENGINES OPERATING WITH ELEVATED LUBE OIL SUMP TEMPERATURE
VSG SERIES 360 hours* 250 hours N/A 250 hours or annually
VGF SERIES 360 hours 250 hours 360 hours 250 hours or annually
VHP SERIES 360 hours 250 hours 360 hours 250 hours or annually
NOTE: AT series engines are limited to a maximum of 180°F (82°C) lube oil temperature.
275GL/GL+ &
AT25/27GL 500 hours or sooner by lube oil analysis. Sample every
See Table 5 for condemning limits.
SERIES 100 hours.
Natural Gas
* Attainable with 15.5:1 air/fuel ratio (carburetor adjusted to 1.15% CO in the exhaust). If best economy carburetor setting, 17.0:1 – 17.7:1
air/fuel ratio (1.4 – 2.1% O2 in the exhaust), is used, lube oil change hours should be reduced to 300 operating hours.

NOTE: Change lube oil filter elements when lube oil is changed.

Table 14: Duty Cycle Definitions

ISO STANDARD OR The highest load and speed which can be applied 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per
year, except for normal maintenance. It is permissible to operate the engine at up to 10 percent
CONTINUOUS POWER overload, or the maximum load indicated by the intermittent rating, whichever is lower, for two hours
RATING: each 24-hour period.

GENERATOR STANDBY In a system used as backup or secondary source of electrical power, this rating is the output the
engine will produce continuously (no overload), 24 hours a day, for the duration of the prime power
POWER RATING: source outage.
INTERMITTENT POWER This rating is the highest load and speed that can be applied in variable speed mechanical system
RATING: application only. Operation at this rating is limited to a maximum of 3500 hours per year.
Peak shaving is operation of an engine for a limited time to meet the short-term peak power
GENERATOR PEAK SHAVING: requirements. Speed, loading and hours per year of operation will affect the recommended oil
change interval.

Service Bulletin 12-1880AF

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